Book Information

Description

Today New Romney sits a couple of miles inland from the sea but, in common with many towns along this stretch of coast, was once a thriving seaport. Archaeological excavations here by Pre-Construct Archaeology identified evidence for medieval occupation, fishing and seafaring on the long beachfront at the northeastern end of the town.

Crucial to its medieval success, the sea also contributed to the town’s ultimate decline. A series of calamitous storms ravaged this part of the coast particularly through the 13th century. The strand area was seriously damaged by these storms, as dramatically demonstrated in the archaeological record, the harbour began to silt up settlement became land-locked and the community turned to the marsh, and the grazing of sheep, for its income.

The site has produced a remarkable assemblage of metal finds, which inform not only on the everyday lives of the inhabitants of this part of New Romney but also tell us about its economy, fishing practices, boat building and breaking. The recovered ceramic assemblage provides evidence for local pottery production and exchange networks and more
distant trade, as well as local medieval building traditions.

This publication investigates the relationship between town and sea by presenting the results of archaeological excavations alongside a much broader historical background to the town. New Romney’s role as a Cinque Port, its early development, street layout, government, welfare provisions and its connections with skumerie (licensed piracy) are all explored through contemporary sources and standing building evidence.

Additionally, it is hoped that this book will contribute to the wider study of the Cinque Ports as distinctive and early medieval towns and also add to our understanding of early borough and market settlements in southeast England.

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